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Friday, 30 January 2015

Poll Results: See Your Winners! & A New Engagement for Kate

It's time for our poll results!

Best Coat

Thousands of you voted for Kate's best pieces from 2014 and it was incredibly interesting to see your favourites. We begin with my favourite poll - coats. The Duchess has a fabulous collection of coats in her wardrobe and made several fabulous new additions last year. It was tough to choose the best one, however, we have a very clear winner.

The bespoke Alexander McQueen coat dress Kate wore in Belgium proved a very popular choice with readers. There's several interesting aspects to the garment including a distinctive peter pan collar and drop waist.

It's interesting to look at the results to determine other possible contenders for the 'Best Coat' title. The Séraphine maternity coat and cerise Mulberry coat Kate wore in New York are our runner-ups. The Mulberry is particularly noteworthy as it sparked quite the debate as to whether or not it was an appropriate sartorial choice for a visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

Kate's least popular coat of 2014 was the Erdem 'Allie' coat she debuted during the tour and wore again for the Tour de France launch. The bright grass green isn't the most striking shade, and perhaps one of the factors which contributed to low votes. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!

Best Gown

There were just three options in our 'Best Gown' poll and they were all stunning and judging by the votes it was a very close call for our readers.

Winning with just over a hundred votes more, the power blue Jenny Packham gown is our poll topper. There was so much to love about this dress: the wrap style, the split, and of course, it was something of a departure for Kate who tends to select very safe choices (a wise policy for someone in her position). It was great to see her having fun and experimenting a little with fashion.

In second place we have Kate's favourite off-the-shoulder Jenny Packham gown, and in third, her black lace DVF 'Zarita' gown. I do hope we see a few gown appearances this year too :)

Best Dress

Our 'Best Dress' poll had had the largest number of options to choose from with an array of new frocks making their debut this year. Yet it was a piece which the Duchess has had in her wardrobe for a few years now which was chosen as your favourite; The bespoke champagne lace Alexander McQueen Kate wore for The Queen's Garden Party.

A look at the results.

The least popular dress was equally as evident as the most popular. Coming in with a meagre 13 votes was the Hobbs London animal print shirt dress. I must admit it isn't a piece I'm fond of either.

Best Separates

As with our gown poll, the separates poll had just three options.

Kate's bespoke icy-blue McQueen suit is our winner. It was a very appropriate choice for Trooping the Colour and the style and cut of the suit worked very well for the Duchess.

In second place we had the McQueen military-style blouse and skirt, and in last place the Hobbs London 'Emilia' top and Jenny Packham skirt. The latter wasn't popular when Kate wore it and it's an example of having great individual pieces not working well together.

Best Hat

There simply are not enough social occasions nowadays where one has the opportunity to spot a great hat. This is not a problem for the royals, though, and it's one of the best aspects of following their style. Kate's most popular hat of 2014 was the Jane Taylor fleur-ruffle beret she wore in Belgium (given the fact the coat dress won the 'Best Coat' poll it's safe to say it was Kate's most popular look).

The results show several of Kate's hats were popular choices.

The hat which received the lowest number of votes is the Lock & Co. 'Fairy Tale' hat.

With thanks to all of you who took the time to vote; the polls are always so much fun. What are your thoughts on the results? Did your favourites win?

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For those having Kate withdrawls, the Palace has announced a new engagement for Kate. On February 12 the Duchess will visit the home of Ben Ainslie Racing and the 1851 Trust in Portsmouth.

1851 Trust

More from the press release:

'The Duchess of Cambridge, Royal Patron of the 1851 Trust, will visit Portsmouth to see the progress on the new home of Ben Ainslie Racing and the 1851 Trust and view an art project by the local community.

Kate will also attend a reception at the Spinnaker Tower to meet Portsmouth community members involved the Ben Ainslie Racing project and to view exhibits destined for the Visitor Centre for the Trust at the team’s Portsmouth headquarters, opening in July 2015.'

We expect it will the first of several engagement Kate will have in February.

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As you all know, William, Kate and George are currently on holiday in Mustique. It turns out the Middelton family didn't arrive until a few days after the Cambridges. No doubt they are all soaking up the sun and having a great time together. Interestingly, the photos which were reportedly taken at the airport still haven't surfaced, but the annual family trip made the cover of this week's Hello! Magazine.

Hello! Magazine

Speaking of the Middletons, James has given an interview to The Young Director (a new app and lifestyle digital magazine. When asked if it is frustrating that his work is often overshadowed by his sibling he said:

'Yes, it does get frustrating. I work incredibly hard - just like every other person in business and work. And aside from the fact of - yes, I am the brother of someone very important - I am, at the end of the day, just James.'

You can read more from the interview and see shots from the accompanying photoshoot here.

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Before we sign off for today, we leave you with a look at several gowns from Elie Saab's Spring 2015 Couture Collection. He's not a designer we've seen Kate choose but one I know many of you are fond of (I do LOVE to see designers' latest offerings) and one one which firmly falls in the category of 'We Wish Kate Would Wear'.

The Elie Saab gowns are very elegant, but I don't think Kate will ever wear elaborate full skirted or see-through ball gowns. The top center dress, with an appropriate lining and perhaps in a brighter color, would be very nice for her.

None of my favorites won first place in the polls, and I have issues with some of the garments that did. Usually my criticism is technical - some of these favorites are just very badly made. The favorite evening gown, on the other hand, I found inappropriately casual for Kate. But I rather like the unfavorite green coat with the long zipper, so I'm not completely over the hill in taste!

I don't mind if no pictures from the Middleton-Cambridge vacation appear. They deserve their privacy during a family jaunt. And I think James Middleton was very honest about his situation. He will always have to deal with it, and one can only hope that his hard work rewards him with the success he should have.

Thanks for all the poll results Charlotte! Kate has a lovely wardrobe from head to toe and it's always interesting to see what others think of a hat, coat, etc. Love the poll posts!

I know the annual Mustique holiday always gets a debate going, but I do hope the Cambridge family is enjoying their time away. It could be the last vacation as a family of 3. :) Happy 60th to Mrs. Middleton! I know she will enjoy having the family together to celebrate, especially Prince George!

It was interesting to read what James Middleton had to say in the interview. Many people dwell on the fact that Kate chose this life, but her siblings did not. It must be a difficult position at times to be in. IMO the Middleton family handles the position they are in fairly well. I LOVED what James had to say about dyslexia.... "I usually joke that it's like a Superpower—you only have it if you've got it!" he says. "For one, it makes you unique, and two, your brain just works differently; you will get to the answer of a solution but just in a different—maybe unconventional way." What a great attitude and encouragement for those who are dyslexic.

The Elie Saab gowns are gorgeous! Hoping for Kate to don a few great gowns in 2015! I'm looking forward to the upcoming Kate Loves post!

I was having serious Kate withdrawals! So, I was thrilled to see your post. Most of my favorites were winners except for the hats and separates. There were so many gorgeous hats to choose which I think the poll reflected, although the winner had a definite majority. I knew my choice would not win, but I chose it to "support" the designer. I'm sure they will be sending me a free hat in the mail soon.:-) I voted for the Lock and Co. "Sweet Delight" hat. I actually thought the Jane Corbett garden party hat would win. I'm curious if the stunning lace McQueen dress Kate wore to the garden party won the first year she wore it? That dress shows off her figure in such a tasteful way. I must sign off and get to bed since I am writing from Denver, CO. I am looking forward to all the posts I will read when I wake up!

One more comment. Wouldn't it be awesome to see Kate wear one of the Elie Saab ball gown' s? I liked the one on the lower right. I think she would look beautiful in that color. I hope she doesn't wear another black gown anytime soon.

Gosh, those Elie Saab gowns always make me swoon..... What a lovely job this designer has - creating such wonderful (in the very best sense of the word) clothes!!!As far as the Cambridges are concerned I wish them a lovely holiday and hopefully a great party for Carole Middleton today to celebrate her 60th birthday. I wonder sometimes what she will do with the company she built up. I mean one day she will have to retire but who will be her successor? Naturally you would think of James as the "heir" (at least if you are conservative) but he doesn´t seem to be awfully successful with his business ventures so far.... Then there´s Pippa whom I somehow consider to be more up to the task (don´t ask me for die-hard reasons - it´s more a gut feeling) - but is she willing to give up her job as party planner which she seems to enjoy? Plus we don´t know whether maybe she sees her future as a wife and mother - and not as a business tycoon (of course, you can try and be both, but maybe she just doesn´t want to?). Kate, for obvious reasons, is no choice, so who will it be? Or maybe they will sell the company?Not really a topic about HRH Duchess Kate - so forgive me my reasoning but I just can´t help wondering whenever Carole comes to the center of attention....

Hello Duchess Kate readers! I have to say i voted for the Alexander McQueen coat that Kate wore in Belgium, i loved her whole look! It was “so 2012”! It reminds me of her look from the past. I like the Erdem Allie coat to, even if it’s a no flattering one for her beautiful body. And I loved the blue Jenny Packham gown to! As you said, Charlotte, it was great to see Kate experimenting with fashion! I know safe choices (like the Erdem coat!) are better for someone in her position but she’s so beautiful and sometimes it’s funny to see her with something different!It’s not a surprise -in my opinion- that the least popular pieces from 2014 are from Kate’s “pregnancy wardrobe”. It’s sad to say, the Duchess has an amazing taste, but i don’t like her choices during this pregnancy.No flattering pieces, black and dark colours..I’d love to see Kate in Elie Saab! It’s my favourite designer (talking about the couture)I don’t know what to say about James Middleton but i’m reporting a tweet i read: “no one would be interviewing Just James”I agree. Would his business be the same if he was “just James”? I don’t know, but i think the Middletons are having the fun (celebrity, reputation) while Kate has to do most of the work.I know Carole and Mike worked hard and bla bla bla - hard work and fortune maybe? - but i don’t know if I can say the same for Pippa and James. I think their reputation comes from Kate's position. Please do not think i hate Kate, The Cambridges and The Middletons. I’m just expressing my opinion and I hope i don’t make you feel bored with to much negativity.Anna Ps: sorry for my bad english!

Well, my favourite coats also were the McQueen she wore in Belgium and the Séraphine coat for her arrival in New York :)The green erdem coat was one of my least favourites, too. First, I just don't get it: why did she wear a coat (which looks really warm) in july? And second, in my opinion, it was a little bit boring and too lose :( And other colors look so much better on her!It's a pity that the brown hat she wore at christmas didn't win. It's just perfect for her face and that time she wore it at St Patrick's day I just thought: WOW!Greetings from snow-covered Bavaria :)Sonja

I voted more or less for the winners. But the huge suprise for me is the JP wrap dress:( I thought that wasnplain, summery for the occassion.But thank you for the lovely polls they are fun.

Ahead of tommorrow, when Carol Middleton has her bday, I found some intresting piece of info, I wonder how much it is true, but it seems like she invited her yoga and tennis instructor but not her bro. The reason was the protocol. What the F? If it is true, I am deeply saddened.

The outfit Catherine wore in Belgium was lovely, but then I like most of her clothes.Like the shape of the Saab gowns, but they are much too revealing for Catherine to wear---but that seems to be his thing.I note the Duchess has two engagements in Portsmouth on Feb 12.

Dear Sarah,Afraid that is not really possible--unfortunately have been quite disabled for the last 12 months or so, so would have problems with the journeyWhen spending most time at home, sites like this are great, connecting to the outside world

I gotta say. Their new PR people know what they are doing. They are very good at advising on when to put engagements. To have an announcement of the engagement (without altering the 2 week usual tell time) in the middle of their vacation is really clever. I have high hopes for the new PR guy.. Hope he doesn't let us down :P

I wish the new PR man would ensure that all engagements are entered on the on-line Court Circular. Not yet the end of January and the three she did on the 19th are missing, though engagements held later that week, by other members of the Royal Family, are entered..

Jean, I'm curious who's responsibility it is to make sure engagements appear on the Court Circular? If it's PR, why aren't the engagements there? You're always so knowledgeable about these things. Fill us in please..... :) Thanks!

I think it was a very wise PR move to announce Kate's upcoming engagement during this time. Maybe a couple more will be announced shortly to keep people happy....maybe. In the meantime, I hope they enjoy soaking up the sun and celebrating Mrs. Middleton's birthday! Happy 60th!

Kate,I have no idea who is responsible for entering the engagements, but noted there were several missed last year and then the three on Jan.19th. There was an e-mail address for the webmaster, so I e-mailed, but as yet have received no reply. However, i would have thought the PR team are responsible to see everything is entered.

I have read the CC is run by someone who follows the RF and started doing this himself in the 70s or 80s. I got the impression that the CC is not run by anyone associated with the RF, but as it is the only compilation of engagements and has been for decades, it is considered the "official" tally.

Unfortunately, he counts things like getting off a plane as an engagement. But won't count Harry's Walking with the Wounded or Sentabale as far as I last checked :( Plus, updates are slow, such as the ones missing for Kate in January.

Stephanie, that's not the CC. The CC is published in The Times and (is supposed to be published) on their website. The guy you are thinking about is the one that counts those engagements and gives a tally for The Times to publish about the amount o engagements.

Royal fan - I think neither. Just a case of sloppy work/things falling between chairs. It's not like Charles engagements shows up either if that's what you're getting at.

For Carole's 60th birthday, what about a post about her style? I think she's a wonderful mother and grandmother no matter how others like to knock her down. I lost my own mother at 13 and grew up yearning to have someone like her to guide me. Kate is lucky to have her.

I totally agree! In my humble opinion Carole has not put a foot wrong. It really irks me when people refer to her as a social climber and that she helped her daughter "trap" William into marriage. It's possible that Kate did choose to attend the same uni as William with the hope of meeting him, but fate played a role in the rest of the story.

I think Carole has great style and always age appropriate without being dowdy. I would love to know where she buys most of her clothes.

I have always had a very good impression of Carole Middleton. She worked very hard to get her business where it is today and is obviously a fabulous mom. She and Mike Middleton have been married for almost 35 years. She raised three happy, bright, and well behaved children. I really don't understand why people knock her. As Daisy714 wrote, she really hasn't put a foot wrong. Obviously the Queen is fond of the Middleton family (Carole) as they have been included in some very important events. Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Royal Ascot, in the Royal box at the Coronation Festival, Christmas morning church service, etc. After all the dysfunction of extended families associated with the Royal family in the past, the Middleton family must be a breath of fresh air to the Queen.

She does have fabulous style! She is confident, classy, and chic at 60! I read an article that referred to her as a glamorous granny. Sounds like a great compliment to me! :)

Admittedly, it was a somewhat testy question to JM, and one he should have been much better prepared for! His answer was an unwise choice, because it makes him appear like a spoilt brat. A lot of people work hard in business and would give a lot to get their foot in the kind of doors, he gets his in purely by association.

Something a bit more modest that acknowledges both the advantages as well as the pitfalls of being the brother of someone famous would have been more appropriate.

Interesting results on the poll. I'm surprised by the hat winner, haha we are all so different.I hope William, Kate and George plus baby 2, are having a lovely time on vacation.Those Saab gowns are stunning, would love to see Kate in one :)Have a relaxing weekend Charlotte :)

I would like to make the point if I may that just because an item happens to have come in last among favourite selections, that does not necessarily mean that it was a fashion faux pas or that the outfit didn't work. For example, with regards to the coats, I chose the bespoke Alexander McQueen coat dress as my favourite because I thought it was avant-garde while being elegant, and I thought Kate rocked the look. However, I happen to very much like green Erdem 'Allie' coat, which came in last: when one zooms in on the photo, one can see that the fabric is gorgeous and of very high quality, and I love the tailoring on that garment. But, we are being asked to choose our absolute favourites in the polls, so that's why I chose the McQueen.

I was waiting for a shoe poll, but did Kate wear any new shoes at all last year?

Elie Saab is a fantastic designer and I believe that Kate likes his dresses as well. But as there are so many royal ladies already wearing his clothes, I can understand that she wants to find her "own" favourites.

As you are mentioning a new "Kate loves"-post, what do you think about doing one about the Middleton family? You once did a wonderful post about Bucklebury, so perhaps that would fit?

Kate wore those new flat boots that she debuted with a dark plum dress. Some sort of sporting/training event where she did that reflexes test and commented "actually something I can do" as it was the most exercise she had done in a while (due to pregnancy sickness). Other than that, mostly recycled styles. She did re-wear those bow pumps that she wore the first year of her marriage (with the jaw dropping blue wrap dress) so those kind of felt new. While I'm sure we see "new" shoes (meaning, she probably buys a few pairs of a style she loves), not much new this year.

Thank you both for updating me. I loved the plum dress with the flat boots, but thought at the time that they were the ones Kate wore when she left the hospital after suffering from HG when pregnant with George. So there is no real need for a shoe poll, what a pity!

Thank you for the post-I was having serious Kate withdrawal symptoms too.

I love the polls but, like Sonja, I find myself at odds with others. I really disliked the winning outfit Kate wore to Belgium. I thought it was really too "little girl" for someone her age at a solemn event. The event didn't require black but just more sophistication.

The "Betty Boop" beret is still my winner.

I'm tired of those "industrial" zippers in women's fashions which is one reason I never liked the Erdem coat.

I want to give a shout out to the much maligned Hobbes' animal print brown dress. I know lots of people hate it but to me it's the epitome of the grab it and go/ professional woman's wardrobe workhorse piece. Witness all the times we've seen it peeking out from under various coats, etc. I'm pretty practical so I think it's great because it's so useful to Kate.

I think James Middleton has a point about accidental fame. Sometimes, it must feel as if he's left to the British Paps with none of Kate's protections. Still, for a businessman, that's attention that others would give their right arms for!

I wish James would lose the "George the Fifth" beard. I know it's the current fashion but I also know there' s a handsome face under there somewhere!

I never knew James had dyslexia. He makes some interesting comments about how he experiences it. I hope William and Kate know to keep a close eye on their children for signs of learning challenges if such a close relative has them.

Early detection and addressing dyslexia and other learning challenges through aggressive tutoring and specialized education can help many people with dyslexia. I was told my son would never learn and never read (that was said by a special education teacher!!!???). My husband and I wouldn't accept it and after lots of time and money (which I was very lucky to have), my 12 year old son reads at grade level and is in a school for the gifted, where it turns out he actually belongs, once his problems are addressed.

The level of hidden prejudice against dyslexic kids is shocking. If any of you touch upon this in your families or professions, please advocate for these kids!!

Canadian Friend, you are right to encourage your son. My dyslexic husband is a very successful business man and community leader. He simply learns differently than other people. I believe Prince Harry is also dyslexic, so George has that tendency on both sides of his family

Kate's appearances are SO predictible. A month off at Xmas, a few appearances in two or three days a week off a few holiday weeks a week off then a quickie by Valentine's Day. The pattern will then be one other quickie and then st pats day then except for mandatory stuff maternity leave until later fall. Next year repeat again

The anonymous comments are so predictable. A post comes up, a few anons jumps in with critic of her not working enough with a few holiday comments and new comments by the next post. The patter will then be another anon complaint and then the mandatory "complain that Kate takes to much maternity leave" comments. Next year repeat again.

Anon 16:34 So what is your point? It sounds like you know what is in store for the Duches in the coming months. If you do not know the women of England are entitled to a year off for maternity leave. So the Duchess is entitled to take her year.I really doubt her & Wills will be taking off for Valentines Day since he has exams to take and a trip to China & Japan coming up at the end of February. But if they do so what.

I am often so confused as to why so many other mothers are allowed to be stay at home moms, determined to take care of their husband and children, and Kate is not. Yes she has plenty of help, but no one really knows what goes on at home with her and her little family. I think we should be grateful that a future king of England will have such an upbringing as so many before have not. Kate has decades to work as a full time royal and take stands on important issues. Right now she should just concentrate on being a wife and mother. She is very lucky that she has the chance to do that and so are George and Baby No. 2.

Rebecca - Sweden 30 January 2015 at 17:44 An observation from one who is neutral about Catherine, The admirers responding to criticism are also predictable. And what would the always-polite Catherine say if she saw her devotees being so pernicious as they deride both the post and the poster? I rarely see criticism of both C and the poster.

Devotees, to avoid getting so upset, you might do well to ignore certain comments. Catherine has been doing that to her credit for ten years or so. If you must respond, abstaining from insults whilst defending her with objective facts, will make you appear less fanatical and it will make this blog a more pleasant experience for all.

Here's a thought for the Kate-worshippers - the fewer engagements Kate does, the less she's out in public, the fewer fancy outfits she's going to wear. Can you all stand the drought? However, if you're in need of a good royal fashion fix, I do suggest you take a peek at Sophie, Countess of Wessex. She's pretty, classy, dresses well and she's out in public a lot so you have tons of opportunities to see some great royal fashion!! Also, hate to remind everyone but Kate didn't just fall into this life and/or wake up and find herself married to a prince and living in palaces. She waited seven years for it. I have to think at some point somewhere before 4/29/11, someone mentioned to her that the life of a royal wife would involve more than being just a wealthy stay-at-home aristo mommy.

" I have to think at some point somewhere before 4/29/11, someone mentioned to her that the life of a royal wife would involve more than being just a wealthy stay-at-home aristo mommy."

Whether someone did or not, doesn't matter. In the engagement interview, Kate made it clear that she does not care what others think of her, and that William's opinion is the only one that matters to her.

When the interviewer asked how she deals with criticisms about her work, she said, " I think if they (loved ones) feel you are doing the right thing you can only be true to yourself and you sort of have to ignore a lot of what's said".

So to be fair, maybe not just William's opinion, but that of her family etc.

Stephanie, I believe you are taking her comment completely out of context. I'm not reading this as someone who doesn't care what people think. Kate was extremely gracious and humble during the interview.

"TB: Kate, people have put, placed some criticisms about you about your work and so on, does that hurt? How do you respond to people who say those things.

Miss Middleton: I think I know I've been working very hard for the family business, sometimes those days are long days and I think if I know I'm working hard and I'm pulling my weight both work and playing hard at the same time, I think everyone who I work with can see I am there pulling my weight and that's really what matters to me.

TB: You have said your family are very close, does it hurt about what's said or do you let it run off all your collective backs on the grounds that's just what you have go to live with?

Miss Middleton: Again I think, the people around home are very supportive to us and those are the people who really matter to us, our close friends and close family and I think if they feel you are doing the right thing you can only be true to yourself and you sort of have to ignore a lot of what's said, obviously take it on board, but you have to be yourself really and that's how I have stuck by it really. "

She states multiple times that how she feels about her work and how her family and loved ones feel are the oly thing that matters. She does not consider seriously what others think. That is how she chose to answer a question about criticisms about her poor work ethic.

and so, that is why I brought this up now. Someone said, Wouldnt have someone told her what royal life would involve. And I am pointing out that she says as long as she, and her loved ones, feel she is working hard, then the rest can be ignored. She was pretty clear.

Thanks for the update Charlotte! It will be fun to look forward to the engagement on the 12th! On a different note, I clicked on the link you provided to Elie Saab to look at some of the other gown options. There are some GORGEOUS gowns on the site! The ones picture above are beautiful, but some have mentioned they don't see Kate in a gown with a full skirt. Kate would look stunning in several others I saw! :)

Hats of the caliber she wears are designed to stay on without bobby pins but you can't see the engineering that keeps them on. For example a lot of fascinators are attached to headbands that disappear into the hair. I don't wear them either, just admire from afar! :)

I found the results of the polls interesting I myself voted for some of the 1st choices but not all.I am glad William was able to accompany his wife & son to Mystique. When studying for so many exams one needs a break and I suspect he will be continuing his studies for much of February until he goes to China & Japan at the end of the month. It is good to see that Kate is visiting the Sailing Charity that I believe she was unable to attend due to sickness last year. I hope she does plenty of engagements during February seeing this one in the diary I suspect she William & George will return to UK soon after Carole's birthday as they went out a few days before them.In the edition of Hello featuring William Kate & George on the front cover there was also a long article on Carole written by Ingrid Seward editor of Her Majesty Magazine it is interesting reading, quite complimentary and indicates just how involved she is with the whole family. I must admit there are times that I feel Kate spends too much time with her mother and doesn't stand on her own two feet enough but also feel that the frequent weekend visits of the whole family to Buckleberry are especially to enable Prince George to have as much time as possible in a normal family environment away from the trappings of royalty and press intrusion

Thanks for doing the polls, they are fun to participate in and to see how one's choices stacked up against others. Regarding her work, it seems like she is striking a good balance between motherhood and work. I think some of us forget how much energy, thought and time babies and toddlers require. I know there is a nanny, but just watching the way she and George interact, it's obvious she is a hands-on mum.

Well, I managed to pick one winner. LOL. The ice-blue McQueen suit. The winning coat surprises me because, although it was nice and appropriate for the occasion, I didn't think it was her most sophisticated look. On the other hand, the unpopularity of the green one does not surprise me. Although green isn't a favorite color of mine, it was more the stiff looking fabric and fit that I didn't care for.

And I do like the Elie Saab gowns, very much, especially the black upper left. But as someone else stated, I don't see Kate in a full skirt. It doesn't appear to be her style.

You ask about the Erdem 'Allie' coat. I actually like the stitching, detail, color and fabric. I think the zipper closure detracts from it's overall appearance and doesn't go with the stitching and detail. If it had a different front construction it might be more attractive. I also think the stitching and design are not visible in some photographs and it makes it looks just like two straight pieces of fabric joined by a heavy duty zipper.

Great post, Charlotte! I voted for every category :-) For the lack of love with that Hobbs animal print dress, I can't believe she wore it twice, let alone the second time without a coat. Ah well, she might as well get her $s worth. haha.

They're entitled to privacy on personal time...but I'd be lying if I didn't say I'd love for some photos to surface! I think we love them more when we see them being normal, and not just working.

As a Canadian, I was never too keen on the coat dress concept but Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen has truly converted me. They're beautifully designed. Now if only we could have her break out a tiara to complement those evening gowns! (Just wishing). I admire Princess Mary, Princess Victoria and on those rare occasions Princess Charlene for their bling factor!! Cheers.

Maxima is a beautiful woman, who looks like she's comfortable in her own skin. An easy elegance. I love the coat... the necklace not so much! But she looks great.To me, Duchess Kate doesn't have an easy elegance. Sometimes her outfits look a little too fussed over. She doesn't look relaxed in her role, except when she is speaking to children.

Maxima is a beautiful woman who seems very comfortable in her own skin but I have to say she isn't always elegant. I think we all remember the dress that looked as if it were caught up in her pantyhose!

Keep in mind that the royal ladies named and known for their "bling" are each quite a bit further up the royal pecking order than Kate is, at this point in time. Queen Elizabeth II herself doesn't break out the "bling" at every opportunity so it would be silly to think that Kate, the wife of the heir to the heir, would do so. If I recall my protocol, the royal "bling" is donned only at state occasions, ie opening of parliament, state banquets, etc.

I disagree that the green coat wasn't a striking color, it was very striking, it just wasn't her best choice. I don't care for zippers on her coats. Zippers are fine for a casual coat, not for a royal appearance.

Terri, I agree. I loved the color and cut of the green coat. I think the styling - the fact that it was zipped all the way up almost under her chin, gave it an unfortunate appearance. It was also pretty formal in relation to the event she was attending, another factor that didn't help it.

Anon 5:18, it's true that people can make up different names and play games in that sense, but there is a HUGE difference if one picks a name and sticks with it. It adds credibility to the comments when you (meant generally) continue to participate with the same name and it makes it easier to have a discussion than wondering if you're answering the same Anon.

Thank you! Voters voted only once but interestingly only 10% of readers voted. I expect some people land on different posts or just read through or come to the site searching for something specifically but it was wonderful to see so many participate. The polls are such fun :)

If the approximately 5,000 people who voted are 10% of readers, this blog has had over 50,000 visitors. That must be very rewarding for you, Charlotte, and reflects the quality of your work. I am happy to know each person only voted once. It makes the results more representative - and I say that even though I disagree with several of the first choices.

This post is so much fun! What really strikes me is that ALL of the poll favorites are items in light colours: Icy blue suit, beige dress, baby blue gown, pinkish coat with pinkish hat!

The biggest 'losers' on the other hand, are: a brown dress, a green coat, a black hat, and two ill matched dark separates. The black Zarita gown doens't strike me as a loser though, this was such a close call and all three looks were striking. For me as well the baby blue one stood out because of its boldness and vavavoom.

There was nothing I really disliked about any of the choices but it was interesting to see what people liked and disliked. Also in today's Daily Mail, reports that Kate and Wiliam's staff have been making inquiries at two London agencies for a maternity nurse, who would look after Kate and the newborn for the first few months after the birth. I presume this means that there's some amount of pressure being put on Kate and, likely, on William as well, to get on the job and get doing something in the way of royal duties and more than they have been. The DM report also suggests that they will be returning to Anmer Hall after the birth, not Bucklebury as they did after the birth of Prince George. Since they have a full-time nanny and now may be hiring a maternity nurse, there doesn't seem that there will be a lot of justification for Kate taking another yearlong "maternity leave" as she did after Prince George's birth. While comments on news pieces aren't a huge indication of popular opinion, they can be used to judge it a little bit and judging from the comments on the DM story today, it doesn't seem like everyone is as enamored of Will and Kate as most are here.

It's true - comments on non-Kate blog websites are much more negative about the Cambridges. It's amusing to me because on those "news" websites, people get vilified for posting anything positive about Kate. Here, people get vilified for posting anything negative about her. Both aren't okay, in my opinion.

As for the maternity nurse, it could be pressure on Kate (and William) to do more appearance-wise, or it could just be that she doesn't want that many sleepless nights a second time, even if she isn't planning on increasing her appearances. While my respect for her will decrease if she hires a maternity nurse but still takes a very extensive "maternity leave" like with George, technically, she has every right to do exactly that. They have the money to pay for a maternity nurse, and it's not like they'll be using taxpayer money for it. In fact, it may even save the taxpayers some money if she chooses to hire a maternity nurse and goes to Anmer instead of Bucklebury, since she will no longer need her mother's help, because security at Bucklebury after George's birth was crazy intense and probably cost a LOT of money (armed police patrol, a helicopter always overhead, etc.). But yeah, if she hires a maternity nurse for the baby and has the full-time nanny for George, it'll be sad if she follows the same appearance pattern as after George's birth. But again, technically nothing wrong with it. Although their PR is going to have to work overtime to deal with the public backlash if that's what ends up happening.

I find these choices of engagements for Kate odd to stay the least. I'm sorry but the hobby of a bunch of extremely wealthy men (sailing) doesn't seem to be something that a huge sector of the UK population can relate to. I know that Kate's charities were chosen for her to be non-controversial, not too difficult to learn about and the sorts of organizations where she can climb out of a car, smile for the cameras, shake some hands, take some flowers and nod appreciatively at whatever presentation has been put together for her but some of these events just seem - pointless. They seem even more pointless when one holds them up against the work that Harry is doing for wounded military veterans, that Sophie is doing with issues for the blind and sight-challenged, that Charles is doing with organic farming and organic agriculture and conservation. I know I'll be attacked for saying this but - it continues to seem like William and Kate are extremely out of touch, for all of the "we're just like you" stuff that they try to foist on the public, with the majority of the UK population and what people are doing through and dealing with in their normal, daily lives. William used to be active with Centerpoint, which seemed to do some pretty awesome work with young people, addiction and homelessness, but his involvement with them seems to have tapered off in the last few years or so. The sad part is that with their high profile, they could each and both do a lot of good and bring a lot of dollars and attention to issues that real people face in their real lives - and they choose not to do that. Other members of the royal family - including William's own brother and his father - do choose to do that so it rather begs the question - why???

Don't forget Camilla's work with sexual assault victims! :)At this point, I've become resigned to whatever it is that Kate and William are doing. Mostly just because when I try to post reasonable, logical comments that are negative about these things, they're called a "bitch session." I'm just no longer interested in the extremely rude replies I get to my comments. So, all I'll say is this. I've made it fairly clear in the past that I think that Kate could do more in terms of speaking up for certain causes, or do something other than shake some hands and accept flowers. Maybe I'm wrong about this. Either way, she clearly has interest in children and sports. While I agree in that I also don't think sailing is an area that really needs that much attention from a royal, if it is something she is interested in, and thus, can get Kate to really be motivated to become a real part of the cause, then good for her. At this point, I'm less interested in WHAT she decides to bring attention to, and more interested in HOW she brings that attention. Maybe, up until now, she just hasn't found something that she cares about enough to really rile up her juices and get her motivated to do something about (speech, big project, etc.). So if sailing is a way for her to find her niche (like other royals have), then that's great. At this point, I just think that it's important, in my opinion, for her to start speaking up for something. Whatever that something is. Because, again in my opinion, it's a lot easier to suddenly find a cause to be interested in than it is to suddenly become a good speaker or organizer or whatever else. The skills needed to really use her high profile in the most effective possible way are harder to develop than finding organizations that need help. And, once some of the other royals stop working, Kate will have a wider variety of options as to what she really wants her niche to be. So right now, her learning how to use her platform seems more important than exactly what she uses her platform for.

When Diana took on controversial issues (such as AIDS and that famous handshake), it made Charles look out of touch while he went on about architecture and talked to his plants. Kate's charities are important and appropriate at this time, as Royal Lulu pointed out. But to suggest that the choices were dumbed-down for Kate is insulting. She's the first future Queen Consort with a university degree. Let's not confuse strategy with ability.

And what is it that W&K foisted on us? I don't think they said any more than that they would try to do things their way when they can.

William, Kate and Harry's charities are all lumped together through their forum and their focus together is on the military and their families, the young and vulnerable and conservation. All their charities focus on these sectors. The only charity as far as I can see that falls outside the scope of the forum is Harry's Sentebale charity. The Invictus Games was supported by the forum. The 1851 trust as I see it is to try and make sailing, which is generally considered elitist, available to a more diverse group of youth under 25 and it will also make apprenticeships, jobs etc available to these people. William apparently still pays quite a bit of attention to Centrepoint. He made a few official and unofficial appearances in aid of them this year.

The pictures are intrusive and of poor quality, and I had actually hoped none would turn up. But hopefully there will be good photos of Prince George released before long. He looks to have changed quite a bit since the last ones.

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